On the evening of February 17th, CEO/Founder Dr. Les Mullings attended the 19th Annual Wall Street Project Economic Summit’s Annual Gala presented by Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund. Formed in 1996 by Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., the Rainbow PUSH Coalition is a multi-racial, multi-issue, progressive, international membership organization fighting for social change. PUSH is also dedicated to protecting, defending, and gaining civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing fields, promoting peace and justice around the world and developing young people through the creation of targeted programming.

Dr. Mullings attended as a guest and with representatives of The Coca-Cola Company. Special guests at the event included John Thompson, CEO of Virtual Instruments and Chairman of Microsoft who was the speaker for the evening’s Fireside Chat as well as Sheila C. Johnson, Founder and CEO, Salamander Hospitality and Co-Founder of Black Entertainment Television. Philip Bailey, Lead Singer and Original Member of Earth Wind & Fire provided entertainment during the gala. Other guests in attendance included Susan Taylor, former Essence magazine editor and Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, President of the NAACP New York State Conference and a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors.

The gala was one part of the Economic Summit held February 16-18 at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel. Influential leaders in business, athletics, entertainment, and educational roles along with city and state officials attended, and moderated panel discussions were held over a wide variety of topics throughout the three days. Issues such as stabilizing communities, diverse management in businesses, equality in real estate lending, and economic implications in healthcare, and educational institutions collaborating with businesses were covered.